The script’s use of repetitive language is particularly powerful, exposing the unoriginality of misogynistic plots. Sarkeesian also does a good job of explaining how this violence affects our analog world for those disinclined to believe any connection. It’s disappointingly easy to recognize what points she makes in response to sexist critics, promising them they can still enjoy their games and professing confidence in designers’ motives, and I hate that Sarkeesian has to soothe them to get her point across: even if game creators just haven’t put a lot of thought into gender, as she ...

Anita Sarkeesian of Feminist Frequency has posted the first installment of her “Tropes vs Women in Video Games” project. In this video, she explores the role, history, and forms of the damsel in distress in popular media from military recruitment ads to silent film to Donkey Kong. Most importantly, Sarkeesian talks about how women’s portrayal in video games affects the way we as consumers approach gender IRL.

As fun as the video is, it’s important to remember what terrible harassment Sarkeesian has been subject to since the announcement of the project. Yet, despite the efforts of thousands of misogynists, the video up.